So much to love here! That Emerson - wow? ". . .the 'word' as Emerson said, 'if traced to its root, is found to be borrowed from some material appearance. Right means straight,' 'wrong' means twisted. 'spirit' primarily means wind … the whole of nature is a metaphor of the human mind,” -- that is WILD!
My profound thanks to Eleanor Anstruther for this idea of 8 questions about why I am on Substack--and that includes everyone she's invited so far with many more to come. I'm honored to be included here.
I love the response about literary companionship: "The act of writing is solitary and that’s been key for my work. But we all need a witness to our efforts to close the round." I've struggled to come up with the right words to explain why an audience, small or large, is still a vital part. Little did I know Mary Tabor had already come up with the perfect succinct sentences to illustrate the point. Thanks for this great interview.
I met Mary online nearly 10 years ago and can attest to her generous spirit - whether it's sharing her own published work or connecting and mentoring writers. We have had so many interesting chats over the years - around Ferrante's Neapolitan novels, online spaces for literary writing, translations into French and so much more - which I'm very grateful.
Oh, Ollie, I'm struggling about whether to post that or the finished novel Who by Fire. Our discussions of Ferrante's magical tetralogy was a highlight in my knowing you online. What a gift you are.
Would serialising Why by Fire give you more time with this new novel, Mary? That way it gives you more time to decide if it's ready. Unless you are like Eleanor and enjoy the rollercoaster ride of posting and writing/editing as you go along! :)
So much to love here! That Emerson - wow? ". . .the 'word' as Emerson said, 'if traced to its root, is found to be borrowed from some material appearance. Right means straight,' 'wrong' means twisted. 'spirit' primarily means wind … the whole of nature is a metaphor of the human mind,” -- that is WILD!
Thank you, "building hope" Julie. And Emerson is a wow and has stood the test of time.
(Shhhh. Don't tell Thoreau, but I prefer Emerson.) 😳
I LOVE this: "I believe now in literary companionship."
The gift of Substack: as I said "a virtual world of literary companionship." Thank you so for quoting that, Alisa Kennedy Jones.
Isn't that the loveliest phrase?
Thank you, both, for this delightful and insightful interview.
You are such a wonderful reader and your essays astound with wonder, Jeffrey.
My profound thanks to Eleanor Anstruther for this idea of 8 questions about why I am on Substack--and that includes everyone she's invited so far with many more to come. I'm honored to be included here.
Thank you for this great interview!
How lovely, Priya. ~ Mary
I love the response about literary companionship: "The act of writing is solitary and that’s been key for my work. But we all need a witness to our efforts to close the round." I've struggled to come up with the right words to explain why an audience, small or large, is still a vital part. Little did I know Mary Tabor had already come up with the perfect succinct sentences to illustrate the point. Thanks for this great interview.
That is so kind, Tim. Thank you so for taking the time to say this. Lovely of you. ~ Mary
Yes, exactly, "to close the round", that's it in a nutshell.
Wonderful interview! Glad to have found both of you here in this place.
Thank you so Matthew. Lovely to have found you, as well.
I met Mary online nearly 10 years ago and can attest to her generous spirit - whether it's sharing her own published work or connecting and mentoring writers. We have had so many interesting chats over the years - around Ferrante's Neapolitan novels, online spaces for literary writing, translations into French and so much more - which I'm very grateful.
Mary, I'd love to read your new novel.
Oh, Ollie, I'm struggling about whether to post that or the finished novel Who by Fire. Our discussions of Ferrante's magical tetralogy was a highlight in my knowing you online. What a gift you are.
Would serialising Why by Fire give you more time with this new novel, Mary? That way it gives you more time to decide if it's ready. Unless you are like Eleanor and enjoy the rollercoaster ride of posting and writing/editing as you go along! :)
I typed the title of my novel wrong, Ollie: it's _Who by Fire_ --maybe I was asking myself an unconscious question that rose to the conscious.
Definitely! Whatever you choose Mary, we are 💯 behind you.
Ah, that is the question. The rollercoaster ride could be the answer. 💕
Me too, can’t wait to read it.